By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, yesterday, dissociated itself from endorsing the Cashew Association workshop.

In statement jointly signed by the National President, NCAN, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, and the Executive Secretary, NCAN, Unekwuojo Augustine Edime, respectively, the association made it clear that, “The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), under the leadership of Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, National President, wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, development partners, and the general public that the Association did not authorize, participate in, or endorse the Cashew Policy Validation Workshop reportedly scheduled for 15 July 2026 by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.”

The stat further reads, “For the avoidance of doubt, any individual or group that may present itself as representing NCAN at the said event does so without the authorisation, mandate, or approval of the leadership of the Association.”

The statement also affirmed that, “Accordingly, NCAN states that no statement, commitment, recommendation, resolution, or position presented by such persons should be construed as the official position of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, making its position clear on the Cashew Validation Policy, the statement reads, “NCAN believes that the formulation and validation of policies affecting Nigeria’s cashew industry should be based on broad stakeholder consultation, transparency, inclusiveness, and engagement with the duly authorised leadership of relevant industry bodies.

“The Association therefore respectfully dissociates itself from the proposed validation exercise and any outcome arising therefrom, as the Association has neither participated in nor endorsed the process.

“NCAN remains committed to constructive collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and all stakeholders in advancing policies that promote the sustainable development and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s cashew industry. The Association welcomes opportunities for genuine engagement through its duly authorised leadership.

It also called the attention of Nigerians, saying, “Members of the public, government institutions, development partners, and industry stakeholders are kindly advised to verify any representation purportedly made on behalf of NCAN through the Association’s officially recognised leadership.”